Sean Tuohy Responds to Michael Oher's Allegations Regarding Adoption Claims

Retired NFL Star Oher Claims "The Blind Side" Depiction was False; Tuohy Family Addresses Accusations

Sean Tuohy Addresses Michael Oher's Allegations Surrounding Adoption Claims

Retired NFL player Michael Oher has raised questions about the accuracy of a crucial storyline in the 2009 film "The Blind Side." Oher's recent 14-page petition to a Tennessee court challenges the notion that he was legally adopted by Sean Tuohy and his wife, Leigh Anne, as depicted in the movie. He asserts that despite living with the Tuohys, the document he signed after turning 18 was for a conservatorship rather than a legal adoption.

Sean Tuohy, Responding to Accusations

In response, Sean Tuohy, the patriarch of the Tuohy family, spoke to The Daily Memphian's Geoff Calkins, stating that they did not profit from the movie's success. He clarified that their earnings were derived solely from royalties tied to Michael Lewis' book, which inspired the film. Tuohy expressed their emotional response to the situation, saying, "We're devastated. It's upsetting to think we would make money off any of our children. But we're going to love Michael at 37 just like we loved him at 16."

Financial Details and Clarifications

Oher's petition claims that the Tuohy family, including their children Collins and Sean Jr., earned $225,000 along with 2.5 percent of the film's "defined net proceeds." "The Blind Side" garnered over $300 million in box office sales, in addition to substantial home video revenue. Interestingly, Debra Branan, a family friend, is purported to have managed contract and payment notices on Oher's behalf.

The Tuohys, in their 2010 book, disclosed that they divided the earnings from "The Blind Side" among five parties, contrary to the claims made by Oher's filing.

Legal Developments and Oher's Stand

The petition also seeks to end Oher's conservatorship under the Tuohys. Only after retiring from the NFL in 2016 did Oher have the opportunity to delve into his arrangements with the Tuohy family. His lawyer, J. Gerard Stranch IV, unearthed the conservatorship in February. Oher is now seeking his rightful share of the film's profits.

Impact of "The Blind Side" on Oher's Career

Although "The Blind Side" catapulted Michael Oher to fame, the former NFL player contends that the movie's portrayal of him negatively impacted his career. He believes that the film's depiction of him as intellectually challenged influenced the perceptions of NFL executives. Despite this, Oher achieved notable career milestones, including a Super Bowl win with the Baltimore Ravens and a selection to the 2009 All-Rookie Team.

As legal proceedings unfold and claims are scrutinized, the controversy surrounding Michael Oher's adoption claims and the depiction of his life in "The Blind Side" remains a topic of discussion in both sports and entertainment circles.